My sons joining army

[Cherie762]

My son is 17, he has pre-enlistied for the army, all the paperwork and his physical are done, as soon as he graduates in June he is theirs, The early enrollment program appealed to him becase of money, he gets  a thousand dollars a mont for every month ( Sept- June) upon completion of boot camp, plus a $21,000 sign on bonus , so I get why he did it.
I am very specially bonded to him because I had partical placental separation and almost lost him, I literally laid flat on my back so he could live  for five months as the placenta develpoed scar tissue and readheared to the uterine wall.
I am so afraid for him, I cant bear the thoughts of him dying or being severely hurt, I support him , but keep my fears to myself I dont want him to feel guilty. I am proud of him, hes a great kid with good morals,I just dont want him to see war and terror. Im sure most moms of serviceboys and girls feel the same way, how do you cope, Hes not shipping out until Aug 3rd I am just trying to educate and prepare my self any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Cherie762]

thank you for your kindness, hes going to be an artilliary man, he qualifid for other jobs but thats what he wanted. Can he get education, if is job doesnt call for it ie) if he was gonna be a mechanic he would be educated for that and it would be a job he could use in civilain life, so obviously his job will have no merit in civilian life ---so could he take courses for something else, hes very hands on I see him in a blue coller job.

[cj29]

I salute your support and your sons committment and bravery.  I did two deployments to the Middle East and yes, it can be very nerve wracking for family.  My wife and my parents were constantly worried while I was gone, but there is definitely a lot of support you can seek while he is in the army.  Many units will have Family Support Groups that keep you up on all the 'goings on' with his particular unit.  I suggest getting involved with other parents and support groups that are in the same situation as you.  

You can also take comfort in the fact that they will train him well and teach him things about himself and life that you cannot get in the civilian world.  He will get leadership experience, money for college, and good health care.  Ensure he uses all of his benefits.  I would not trade anything for my experience in the military.  It gave me confidence in myself and the ability to take on many challanges in life.  It paid for my undergrad degree and helped pay for my grad degree and enabled me to learn and appreciate life so much more.. furthermore,it set me up for success when I got out.  Support him and ensure he takes advantage of all the benefits that are available to him ESPECIALLY the education.

I know it is nerve wracking when a loved one enters the service; especially in times like this.  But let me applaud his willingness to put the needs of his nation ahead of himself...it says a lot about his character and the way his parents raised him:). Continue to support him and feel free to email me here with any questions or concerns with this!!